Results 10,361-10,380 of 16,849 for speaker:Dermot Ahern

Aircraft Search and Inspection. (13 Nov 2008)

Dermot Ahern: The Deputy referred to random checks. The Garda cannot check any property, and if it did, it could leave itself open to a claim for damages from the property owner. The Garda can only search a property if it can establish a reasonable suspicion that a crime has been committed, or if there is a bench warrant. Powers are granted to authorised officers under the Air Navigation Acts to board...

Aircraft Search and Inspection. (13 Nov 2008)

Dermot Ahern: What was the first question?

Aircraft Search and Inspection. (13 Nov 2008)

Dermot Ahern: Ultimately, it is a matter for the Garda and the DPP to decide what constitutes a reasonable doubt and whether a crime was committed. Any claim must then stand up in court. To be fair to Deputy Cuffe and others, it is suggested there have been incidents involving several notorious planes which have travelled across the world. There may be some scope in future — I say this by way of...

Aircraft Search and Inspection. (13 Nov 2008)

Dermot Ahern: It is a fact.

Aircraft Search and Inspection. (13 Nov 2008)

Dermot Ahern: I will answer by stating exactly the decision of the subcommittee. The matter is ongoing. The subcommittee granted the Minister for Foreign Affairs the authority to contact the new administration, as I did several years ago when I held that portfolio. I was the first Minister in the European Union to call for the closure of Guantanamo Bay. I was the first Minister to demand from the USA...

Brutal Killing in Limerick: Statements. (13 Nov 2008)

Dermot Ahern: This House has spent a considerable amount of time this week discussing the brutal killing of Shane Geoghegan. It is right that we should mark our horror and revulsion at the outrage that has taken place. We want to show solidarity with Shane's family and friends, and stand as one with the people of Limerick and throughout Ireland in their sense of shock and grief at what has taken place....

Brutal Killing in Limerick: Statements. (13 Nov 2008)

Dermot Ahern: It is the Special Criminal Court.

Brutal Killing in Limerick: Statements. (13 Nov 2008)

Dermot Ahern: I propose to share time with the Minister for Defence, Deputy O'Dea.

Order of Business (13 Nov 2008)

Dermot Ahern: It is a hard word.

Order of Business (13 Nov 2008)

Dermot Ahern: Ask Deputy Higgins — he might know.

Order of Business (13 Nov 2008)

Dermot Ahern: The Deputy should let the Tánaiste answer.

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (12 Nov 2008)

Dermot Ahern: The context in which financial provision has been made by the Government for the Irish Human Rights Commission for 2009 is as indicated in the Budget Announcement of 14 October 2008. Therefore, while I accept that a reduced budget will cause some difficulties, I also consider that there is sufficient funding provided in 2009 for the Human Rights Commission to enable them to adequately...

Written Answers — Employment Rights: Employment Rights (12 Nov 2008)

Dermot Ahern: My Department, in consultation with the social partners, is examining the issue of paternity leave as part of a review of maternity, parental and paternity leave as promised in the Agreed Programme for Government and the Social Partnership agreement "Towards 2016". I expect to receive a report on the outcome of the deliberations in the near future. The issue of the introduction of a statutory...

Written Answers — Legislative Programme: Legislative Programme (12 Nov 2008)

Dermot Ahern: The question of how offenders might best compensate their victims and indeed the State is not straightforward. In terms of the victim, the Courts may on occasion make orders requiring that compensation be paid to a victim and a civil action for damages can also in principle be taken. However, this process can prove difficult for the victim to obtain financial redress. This is in large part...

Written Answers — Legal Aid Service: Legal Aid Service (12 Nov 2008)

Dermot Ahern: The Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) Act 1962 provides that free legal aid may be granted in certain circumstances for the defence of persons of insufficient means in criminal proceedings. Under the 1962 Act, the courts, through the judiciary, are responsible for the granting of legal aid. Applicants must establish to the satisfaction of the court that their means are insufficient to enable...

Written Answers — Crime Prevention: Crime Prevention (12 Nov 2008)

Dermot Ahern: The Government's commitment to tackling domestic violence is reflected in the establishment in June, 2007 of Cosc, the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence. Cosc's key responsibility is to ensure the delivery of a well co-ordinated "whole of Government" response to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. Its major priority is to produce a...

Written Answers — Sex Offenders: Sex Offenders (12 Nov 2008)

Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 215 to 217, inclusive, and 221 and 222 together. The arrangements for the monitoring and supervision of sex offenders is provided for in the Sex Offenders Act 2001. A person found convicted of a sexual offence must, pursuant to Part 2 of the 2001 Act, notify the Garda Síochána of their name and address. Arrangements are in place under which a Garda...

Written Answers — Sexual Offences: Sexual Offences (12 Nov 2008)

Dermot Ahern: The Programme for Government 2007- 2012 contains a commitment to create a new offence of supplying and administering 'date rape' drugs. This is an issue which I regard with the utmost seriousness and it is therefore currently being given very careful consideration in my Department in the context of existing provisions in the Non-Fatal Offences against the Person Act 1997. Section 12 of that...

Written Answers — Sentencing Policy: Sentencing Policy (12 Nov 2008)

Dermot Ahern: The Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008 is fully operational since 7 June, 2008. The Act provides for offences of trafficking in children and adults for the purposes of their sexual or labour exploitation or the removal of their organs. It also makes it an offence to sell or offer for sale or to purchase or offer to purchase any person for any purpose. Penalties of up to life...

Written Answers — Legislative Programme: Legislative Programme (12 Nov 2008)

Dermot Ahern: As the Deputy will no doubt be aware, the Proceeds of Crime Act 1996 and the Criminal Assets Bureau Act 1996, both of which are amended by the Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Act 2005, provide for the recovery and disposal of the proceeds of crime. The provisions of this wide-reaching legislation cover confiscation, restraint of use, freezing, preservation or seizure of assets identified as...